One of the legislators in the Imo State House of Assembly, Nkenna Nzeruo (Oru East), has claimed that he was suspended because he refused to take an oath over the sum of N50 million.
He also said among other things, his suspension was based on his refusal to support the choice of a particular governorship aspirant in the state and attack Senator Hope Uzodimma as he was instructed.
Nzeruo was declared suspended along with Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru), Collins Chiji (Isiala Mbano) and Ifeanyi Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli) for allegedly conducting themselves in un-parliamentary manners.
But in a statement he issued and directed at the people of his constituency, Nzeruo denied ever conducting himself in a manner that violated the rules of the legislature.
Rather he said he was being punished for some other reasons.
His statement reads: “Re: IMO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SUSPENDS FOUR HONOURABLE MEMBERS.
What we should know
Since yesterday, the 27th June 2018, the media has been awash with news of the suspension of four Honourable members of the Imo State House of Assembly by the speaker.
It has become pertinent that I shed light on some ugly incidents surrounding the purported suspension.
First, I was duly elected as member representing the good people of Oru-East state constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly and till date, I have not been found wanting in the discharge of my legislative functions neither have I faced a disciplinary committee for whatever reason.
I have stated this for the records, because no credible reason was given for my suspension from the house, rather, the speaker said it was for unparliamentary conduct.
The only crimes I committed are :-
1) That I gave heed to my people, whose mandate I represent, not to participate in any oath taking for the sum of FIFTY MILLION NAIRA (N50,000,000) to protect my integrity before God and my people.
2) That I refused to go to the press to ATTACK, ABUSE AND ASSASSINATE THE CHARACTERS OF DIST. SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA as instructed even when he is my brother, constituent and also a BoT member of same party (APC).
3) My Alleged refusal to join the band wagon of the Ugwumba Movement (Agburu) supporting a particular Governorship Aspirant in Imo State.
4) That I wore the Uniform provided by and for the South East members of the party (APC) for the just concluded National Convention of the party at Abuja.
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How these become unparliamentary conduct is yet to be proved.
You will recall that a few weeks ago, news filtered in, about oath taking scare in the House of Assembly, which I was also not included, because it is not a part of my legislative functions.
This is simply the outcome of the APC National convention of 23rd June, 2018, at Eagle Square, Abuja, that has resulted to this witch-hunting.
I have also been reliably informed that other forms of attack are being programmed against me.
Remember my people, that the mandate you gave me is so precious, that we endured two painful primary elections, and three gruelling general elections, including supplementary elections, all of which we were victorious because of your support.
I assure you, that GOD IS INVOLVED and that with your continued support, which is sure for me, we shall weather any storm and come out with resounding victory.
Thus, I urge you all to remain calm, while we go through this, because it will surely end in praise!
Hon. Nkenna John Nzeruo
Member Rep. Oru East in the Imo State House of Assembly.
